To make savings we need to work together. There are no additional resources available, savings need to be made now so that we can meet increasing demand and ensure that local services continue to meet your needs.

We are looking at how to be more innovative, more productive and help you use your NHS resources better whilst making sure services are still of the highest quality.

How can you get involved?

To make sure you get the most out of every NHS pound spent in Bradford, we're asking you to take more control of your health and change the way you use some of your NHS services. Some things that we need you to do are:

take the medicines you are given - the most expensive medicines are the ones not taken. 50% of medicines are not taken as directed within 10 days of being prescribed.

not asking for medicines you don't need - check what you've got at home first. Your NHS can't reuse medicines once they have been given out.

use your NHS to the best - sometimes your GP isn't the best person to see, you can see your pharmacist, quickly without an appointment.

buy some medicines from shops instead - it's cheaper to buy medicines for short term, minor illnesses, from your supermarket or pharmacy.

Join in with the campaign on social media. Follow us on Facebook, @NHSinBradford or on Twitter, @NHSBDCCG and use #ItsOurNHS to show your support for making a change.

What are we doing?

We will be looking at your whole patient journey and seeing how we can transform your services to give you a better experience. We are also looking at how we can innovate, be more productive, prevent your NHS resources being used inappropriately and ensure your services are high quality.

Would you like to make your record shareable to services that might care for you in the future or the services that are currently taking care of you?

Would you like your doctor to be able to see information recorded by those other services?

You now have the choice to ask your practice to make it possible to share your records should the need arise. Setting this up does not mean that anyone can look at your records. They still have to ask for your permission. If you would like to arrange this option please ask at reception. The choice you record can be changed at any time.

If you have difficulty remembering your appointment. Sign up for our SMS text reminder service. Ask at reception for details.

The NHS Friends and Family Test

Have your say to improve your care

We would like your feedback on the care or treatment we give you

any time you visit your GP or have contact with the practice. It doesn’t

take long.

Put us to the test and tell us what is working and what we can improve. You can say what

you think without giving your name and we will use the information to plan improvements to

our services.

Minor Illness

Get the Right Treatments

Get the Right Treatment

Every year, millions of us visit our GP with minor health problems that can be easily resolved without a doctor's appointment.

It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete's foot. By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.

Self-care

Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat many minor ailments. Colds, coughs, indigestion and many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter.

Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.

Your Local Pharmacist

Pharmacists offer professional free health advice at any time - you don't need an appointment. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses. They can answer questions about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. Your local Pharmacist can also advise on healthy eating.

Pharmacists can also advise on health eating, obesity and giving up smoking. Some pharmacists have private areas where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest you visit your GP for more serious symptoms. It is possible to purchase many medicines from the chemist without a prescription. Watch this short video on how you can get the most out of your local pharmacy

NHS Walk-In Centres

NHS Walk-In Centres offer convenient access to a range of NHS services for patients based in England only. You can receive treatment for many ailments including:

infection and rashes,

fractures and lacerations,

emergency contraception and advice,

stomach upsets,

cuts and bruises, or

burns and strains.

NHS Walk In Centres treat around 3m patients a year and have proved to be a successful complementary service to traditional GP and A&E services. Some centres offer access to doctors as well as nurses. However, they are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediately life-threatening problems.

Accident & Emergency (A&E)

Major A&E departments assess and treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, such as:

loss of consciousness,

pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia,

acute confused state,

persistent, severe chest pain, or

breathing difficulties.

If you're injured or seriously ill, you should go, or be taken, to A&E. If an ambulance is needed you can call 999, the emergency phone number in the UK. You can also dial 112, which is the equivalent for the European Union.

Major A&E departments offer access 365 days a year and usually open 24 hours a day. Be aware that not all hospitals have an A&E department.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea

Acute diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection and affects almost everyone from time to time. A common cause in both children and adults is gastroenteritis, an infection of the bowel.

Bouts of diarrhoea in adults may also be brought on by anxiety or drinking too much coffee or alcohol. Diarrhoea may also be a side effect of a medication

Other Links

St Johns AmbulanceSt John Ambulance believes that everyone should learn at least the basic first aid techniques.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Coughs and Colds

Coughs & Colds

A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It can cause nasal stuffiness, a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and a cough. Usually it's a self-limiting infection – this means it gets better by itself without the need for treatment.

On average, adults have two to five colds each year and school-age children can have up to eight colds a year. Adults who come into contact with children tend to get more colds. This is because children usually carry more of the virus, for longer.

In the UK, you’re more likely to get a cold during the winter months although the reasons why aren’t fully understood at present.

Treatment of a cold

For most people, a cold will get better on its own within a week of the symptoms starting without any specific treatment. However, there are treatments that can help to ease your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. These are available from your pharmacy, which means that you can treat yourself, rather than needing to see your GP.

There is no cure for colds. Antibiotics, which treat infections caused by bacteria, don't work on cold viruses.

Self-help

There are a number of self-help measures that may help to ease the symptoms of a cold.

Drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

Steam inhalations with menthol, salt water nasal sprays or drops may be helpful.

Vapour rubs may help relieve symptoms for children.

Hot drinks (particularly with lemon), hot soups and spicy foods can help to ease irritation and pain in your throat.

Sucking sweets or lozenges which contain menthol or eucalyptus may sooth your throat.

Gargling with salt water may help a sore throat.

You should try to make sure you get enough rest if you have a cold. It’s not usually necessary to stay off work or school.

NHS - is it the common cold or the flu? Colds and flu can share some of the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat) but are caused by different viruses, and flu can be much more serious. Find out